Chapter 16: Told Truth

Harry Potter was launching in his sofa with his feet on the coffee table. He felt very lazy but it was the weekend after all and he had earned to be a bit lazy. He opened today´s the Daily Prophet and started to scum through its content.

He had not more then opened the paper before he sat up straight in his couch his interest was piqued. On the second page was a story speculating about Draco Malfoy and the reason of his absence from the limelight after his probation had ended.

Ex-death eater too ashamed to face the music?

Draco Malfoy son of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy have been serving 2 years of probation in his home Malfoy manor, the probation containing banning from visiting wizarding areas and isolation from our world in form of no owls, fire calls and newspaper. His probation ended last Friday and that is now over a week ago and he has yet to be sited, is he too ashamed to face the people that lost their families in the war were he was on Voldemort´s side? Is he too afraid to face the people that think his probation was too mild a punishment? That is questions this reporter would want to know the answer to.

This newspaper is very curious as to why the heir of the Malfoy family would after 2 years of isolation still decide to stay behind closed doors. As the only heir and therefore the one that is expected to keep the Malfoy line alive we at this paper were sure that the ex-death eater would be keen to win the wizarding population over as soon as possible after his probation. As a pureblood wizard that is sure to want to marry a pureblood witch he should be searching for someone that will still want him after he lost everything and has a reputation that has been dragged through the dirt several times and that for a good reason.

There is several speculations as to why the Malfoy heir has not been seen since the end of his probation. Maybe he has fled the country and now has settled down in France or why not Italy, he can have left directly after the end of his probation and left his old life and mistakes behind him to start a new life abroad.

Another speculation is that he has made a plan on how to bring up his family´s reputation and as the Slytherin that he is he will wait to when the right opportunity arises before he strikes. So wizarding Britain be aware of the risks of not too honest actions being made to win you over. As of the end of his probation Draco Malfoy has now no other restrictions and is as free as anyone of you so be cautious when you are out around town.

A possibility that is easily overlooked is the chance of that the probation actually did what it was supposed to do and that the arrogant and spoiled brat known as Draco Malfoy learned his lesson. It can be that the 2 years with no contact with the wizarding world made him see the muggle world as an option and that he now is living in the middle of their kind.

This reporter together with you is probably very curious and would want to know what has happened to Draco Malfoy, why has he not showed his face? Maybe he died through the years alone in his house, maybe he has been kidnapped? My guess dear readers is as good as anyone else's, so please if anyone see the Malfoy heir do not hesitate to contact us at the Daily Prophet.

If you want to read more about Draco Malfoy and what he did under the second wizarding war turn to page 7. More stories about the mysterious disappearance of the ex-death eater will be posted as soon as more information comes to light.

Harry stared at the picture that was with the article, the picture showed a very tired and subdued Draco just after his trial before he had been transported to the manor.

He sighed feeling a bit guilty because he had not been visiting the other man after returning his wand all those months ago. He was himself wondering why Draco had not been out after the end of his probation, he would have thought Draco would be relived of being able to leave the manor and to do as he pleased.

He snorted at the article, the speculations was ridiculous and he was remembered why he almost never read the paper, the rumors that was created was passible at best, that most people believed what was written was to him unbelievable.

He laid down the paper on the coffee table and went to his bedroom to drag on some pants and look at himself in the mirror to see if his hair looked acceptable. He knew how he would get answers to what had happened to Draco, he would just go there and see him. He was long overdue anyhow and he should congratulate him on his probation being over, he knew how it was to be all alone and even someone like Draco Malfoy needed a friend.

In his rush to get on his way he was with one foot out the door before he had even remembered to eat breakfast. "Where are you going?" his partner for over a year now was standing in the doorway to their kitchen, he was smiling bemused at him and Harry flushed in response, he had just been about to get up and leave in his excitement for adventure.

"I have to go and see Draco Malfoy, he is missing, I think… kind of" he frowned not knowing if he was actually missing or not "I am curios" he ended with lamely. His partner´s smile turned amused and he was holding forward a sandwich which Harry took gratefully. He leaned forward kissing his other half "you know me all too well, see you later".

He was out the door and had apparated to Malfoy manor only seconds later.

LOTB∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞DD∞DM∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞LOTB

It was a few days since Dudley had told Draco that he loved him. He had still a hard time to comprehend the sentiment of the declaration. A Malfoy didn´t feel emotions such as unconditional love for other people.

His parents hadn´t loved each other, they hadn´t loved him in the way that parents usually loves their children. Sure they would have done anything to secure his future, would have given him anything he wanted, would do anything to be loyal to their family. What they wouldn´t care for however was if he was happy. If he was happy with the life he was expected to live or if he wanted to live his life that way was not any of their concerns.

He had accepted that fact before the war, he had accepted that he was going to live his life the same way as his parents had lived theirs, he had accepted that he would live his life without the kind of love that everyone else was seeking.

To this day he was unsure if he was even capable to feel love for another human being. His father had taught him how to love yourself, how to put your own needs and desires before everyone else's, he had taught him how to be a cruel leader, how to play others to get what you wanted and how to use others emotions against themselves for your own gain. He had been taught from a very young age how to seek out power and that he was supposed to love the feeling to have control and be the one to put others in their place, he had been taught to be a master at that game.

He had never been taught however how to be compassionate and how to be a good friend. If he didn´t even know how to be a good friend how would he then be able to be someone's lover?

He wanted Harry, but he didn´t want him out of love. He was after the other boy for several reasons, one being that he was physical attracted to him and another being that he would be beneficial for his situation in the wizarding world, to get redemption. He wanted Harry because he could and because he loved the thrill of a challenge. He wanted him because he was used to having what everyone else wanted and because he was used to having the best there was.

That Harry seemed to tolerate Draco without any hatred or disgust, that he had forgiven him like the golden boy he was also made the future of them together seem pretty all right.

He was being with Dudley however because of other reasons entirely, he wanted him too of course, he was attracted to him and he felt they could understand each other on a level he had never experienced with anyone else before. He had to admit he genuinely liked having the other boy around. He liked spending time with him, not because of status or because he would gain something from their interactions, he liked spending time with him because it made him feel right and content. He could not remembering smiling as much as he had done the last couple of weeks.

It had been a bit tense the last few days though, since the incident with the "I love you", Draco was very grateful thought that they hadn´t talked about it more after Dudley had said it. He was hopeful that everything would go back to how it was before it had been said, he just wanted to be, just wanted them to be themselves together.

He stretched and went out of bed, the other side of it was empty, he frowned he usually woke up when Dudley did. He took in air through his nose and smiled, it smelled like pancakes.

He skipped changing out of his pajama pants and went down the stairs shirt less in prospect to get freshly made pancakes.

Dudley must have heard him come down the stairs because he hadn´t even made it all the way down before "what would you like in your pancakes Dray, apples or blueberries?"

He licked his lips, there was something special with handmade food that made house elf made dishes seem grey in comparison.

"What would I do without you D, blueberries sounds wonderful" he heard a chuckle and a answering "coming right up" from the kitchens and was just about to head there when he noticed a figure standing just inside the front doors.

He turned and drew his wand in a reflex. He was met with the surprised face of Harry Potter, he was standing there looking a little flustered with his eyebrows drawn up and his hands up in surrender.

What was he doing there and how had he gotten inside without someone letting him in. He must have been more transparent then he wanted to because Harry looked down sheepishly before saying "you let me in last time and must have forgotten to take away my magical signature" he glanced back up at Draco curiously "what happened to your hair?"

Draco scowled and glared for good measure, he took up one hand in trepidation though, was something wrong with his hair? He drew his hand through his hair and he remembered horrified that he had not styled it before leaving the room, he then looked down and saw his bare feet, crap he didn´t even have socks on. A Malfoy was not supposed to show themselves in any way other than their best and most refined in front of people that wasn´t family.

He composed himself and looked back at Potter, at least his hair always looked better than Potter´s, styled or not. He smirked confidently, much more so than he was feeling "I had a haircut, need new glasses?" that was a good comeback, he needed to have the upper hand.

Harry however only chuckled at that and cocked his head to the side as if he just then came to think of something "I like it. I happened to overhear, you have company Dray?" now it was Harry´s turn to smirk, the expression only looked misplaced thought on the other boy´s face.

Draco bit his lip, how was he going to get out of this, he couldn´t just tell him he was dating Harry's cousin in wait of the right opportunity to win the man over himself. He couldn´t tell him of the simple reason of him being there was because of Draco saying that Harry was too busy to help his own family either.

His decision of what to do was taken from his hands by Dudley who must have wondered what was holding Draco up. He was just about to try to change the subject by asking Harry a question of his own when Dudley kissed him on his cheek "what are you doing out he… Harry?" Draco had frozen in place, this was bad really bad.

Malfoy´s did not show affection of any kind in front of other people, holding hands where bad enough. A kiss on the cheek with him in just his sleep pants was under no circumstances acceptable.

Draco thought about just disappearing from the scene but he could not do that, he had to try to at least do some damage control.

If Dudley was surprised by seeing his cousin Harry looked like he was going to faint, if it had been in any other situation Draco would have laughed. His eyes were big as saucers and he was blinking as if he thought he was seeing things that wasn´t real, Draco thought for a second that he would start to pinch himself.

Harry was looking between Draco and Dudley before going back at staring at Dudley in disbelief "Dudley?" when Dudley nodded harry seemed to shake his head like he was really taking it in, that he wasn´t hallucinating "what are you doing here?"

Now it was Dudley´s turn to look confused, Draco was holding his breath what Dudley said next could mean that everything would come out, he really thought he had more time before it would all come crushing down.

"I live here, you know that" the confusion seemed to be going over in anger, an expression and a feeling Draco was not used to seeing coming from Dudley and without thinking he reached out and took the other boys hand in comfort. This only made Harry stare more and start blinking again.

"You said you didn´t have time for me," he said that a little bitterly Draco thought "maybe I should be thanking you though, without your selfish behavior I wouldn´t have met Draco and I wouldn´t be as happy and feel as good about myself as I do now." Draco closed his eyes, he felt proud hearing Dudley say that and knowing he had helped in making Dudley feel that way.

He also felt a very unpleasant feeling welling up from within his stomach and eating him up inside before surrounding his heart and going up his throat making him feel like choking. He had a bad feeling that Dudley would not feel like that anymore in a few minutes, and that was making him wonder if his actions was justified. He had closed his eyes while Dudley had spoken and he now opened them when the realization hit him, the feeling that was eating him up inside was guilt.

Harry looked more confused than before "wait… we haven´t talked for years. Just so you know I would always make time for family" he shook his head again and glanced briefly down at their linked hands before adding "and since when are you gay, and dates wizards. Not to mention Draco dating a muggle?"

Dudley looked like he wanted to scream "you have read my letter, you know everything that happened, if you couldn´t accept me you could have just said so." It looked like some steam had just gone out of him and Dudley now looked sadder than he looked angry. This was making Draco just want to bring that brilliant smile and easy nature back, the Dudley that was full of life instead if the shell he was drawing himself back into.

Harry just stared "letter, what letter? I haven´t read any letter, I promise" at that Dudley looked up and frowned before looking over at Draco.

"Draco you have seen the letter, Harry must have given it to you, right?" Draco took a deep breath, what was he going to say? He couldn´t tell the truth but neither could he tell more lies to get out of this situation.

Swallowing he tried to think of something to make the situation turn around, he ignored Dudley's question in favor for answering one that Harry had asked earlier. "How would you know anything Potter, you haven´t been around for almost 2 years, me and Dudley are more alike than you may think and I have changed, we have helped each other come over old rooted prejudges."

At the mention of that Harry hadn´t visited he saw the other bloke cringe, he knew how to use other people's emotions against them, he smiled one of his polite but dismissing smiles at Potter.

"But… "Harry was looking at him suspiciously. It looked like his attempt at side tracking the other man had been in vain though "Dudley how did you and Draco meet, and what letter?"

Dudley was looking at Draco now too, in that introverted and cautious way that he had first looked at him all those weeks ago "I, I was disowned after coming out to my parents, I sent you a letter… To this address when come to think of it and Draco contacted me saying he was your friend and that you apologized but was too busy to help me." Before the end of that sentence he knew he was so screwed, Harry looked at him murderously and Dudley was frowning and his hand slipped out of Draco´s and fell limply down at his side.

Harry had acted fast and in just a few seconds he had positioned himself between Dudley and Draco. Draco stared him down but knew that he had lost this battle, he drew up all his walls trying to seem indifferent at the wand that was now pointing at his chest.

"What are you after with my cousin?" he didn´t know what to say, he had been after Harry but then after a while he had been after the company and he had starting enjoying spending time around Dudley. At the prospect of losing Dudley now, having him there one moment and just losing him the next was making him unable to hold his masks and he was choking on the words he was trying to form. In the end he said nothing and his silence seemed to confirm the suspicions of his not so noble actions.

Harry looked sadly at him "I believed in you, you know. I believed you were a good person somewhere in there" he poked with his wand at his chest "it seemed I was wrong, you haven´t changed at all."

Draco wanted to scream because he had, he had changed. He was a better person and Dudley made him want to be even better but he was unable to say anything like that.

Dudley was looking at him like he was cut open, like his soul was bleeding. "Draco…" Draco was unable to look him in the eyes and that seemed to be all that Dudley needed as conformation, he didn´t need to say anything Dudley knew that he had been untruthful and that their whole relationship was built on lies.

Harry was looking contemplative again, he was looking between them both before he shook his head and turned to Dudley "come with me, you can stay with me and my partner for a while" Dudley just nodded. Harry stretched out a hand and squeezed Dudley´s shoulder before turning to back to Draco.

"I came because I was worried about you, I came to congratulate you for ending your probation, I had hoped…" he shook his head again "good bye Draco Malfoy" and a second later they were both gone.

Draco stared after them, his life had been good just this morning and now he was alone again and with no prospects of even having a friend, he had no one. He went to the closest wall and started to bang his fist against the hard surface, he needed to hurt physically as much as he was hurting inside.

His probation was over? He hadn´t even thought about that, he had forgotten about it entirely being so happy and content living with Dudley by his side.

He sat by the wall the rest of the day, he let himself to let out his frustration by for once in his life not caring and cried for the first time since back in six year. His knuckles was bleeding and the pain was a relief.

That night Draco felt empty going to bed like a part of him had been taken away, like he had been hit by the Cruciatus curse but the pain he felt was not leaving, with the time passing by the feeling of despair and regret was only intensifying.

What was hurting the most to his surprise was not him being left alone and losing the only relationship that he had had worth keeping. What was hurting the most was the aspect of that he had put the defeated and self-loathing look in Dudley´s eyes, that he had hurt Dudley. For hurting the other boy he almost felt like he deserved feeling miserable and to go to bed with a heavy heart.

That night he didn't fall asleep before the sun rose over the green countryside surrounding him for miles and miles. He fell asleep hugging the pillow Dudley had been using for the last couple of weeks, the fragrance from the pillow remembering Draco of Dudley and making him settle sown and letting himself fall into a light sleep.